UConn recruit declares for NBA draft

[ChiTownBull]

STORRS, Conn. (AP) -- Andrew Bynum, a 7-foot center and the gem of Connecticut's recruiting class this year has decided to make himself eligible for the NBA draft, his brother said.

Bynum has not hired an agent and plans on coming to UConn if he is not a high pick in the June 28 draft, Corey Thomas, who has been acting as his brother's spokesman, said Friday.

"He has a real opportunity to check out where he is in his profession some day," Thomas told The Day of New London. "He decided to put out his name to see where he is. He's hoping to be a lottery pick."

Bynum averaged 22 points, 16 rebounds and five blocks last season at St. Joseph's High School in Metuchen, N.J.

Bynum would join UConn forward Charlie Villanueva in declaring for the draft. Villanueva announced after his sophomore season in March that he would leave school to pursue an NBA career. He's expected to be a first-round draft pick.

Connecticut assistant coach Tom Moore said the school is still hopeful that Bynum will be a Husky next year.

[dw4uconn]

Andrew Bynum??   ::goodbye::  Uconn will do just fine without him. He was going to be a backup this year anyway. How does a kid get drafted to the NBA when he isn't even good enough to start for a college team? Something is very wrong with the system when this kind of thing is allowed to happen. I say let him go now. Why should Uconn invest the time to mold this kid if he will only stick around for one or two years.

Same goes for Charlie, he could have made a name for himself here at Uconn, but he decided it was too risky to remain a Husky. He hasn't exactly dominated in the college game and likely felt he was better off getting what he could now before he was considered a complete bust.

Uconn is still strong down low with Boone and Armstrong. Rudy Gay is going to be phenominal. No one will be able to stay with this kid. A freaking nightmare matchup for anyone who has to play him. Uconn will be strong at guard and at the wing positions and good enough down low to be national champions once more in 2006.

Go Huskies !!!!

Bye bye Bynum.

DW

[GarySJ]

Same goes for Charlie, he could have made a name for himself here at Uconn, but he decided it was too risky to remain a Husky. He hasn't exactly dominated in the college game and likely felt he was better off getting what he could now before he was considered a complete bust.

Sadly, you're right. Funny how staying in school for even 2-3 years hurts your draft prospects, even if you develop into a dominant NCAA player during that time. Who needs the best college senior when you can have the eighth-best high school senior?

The hype:reality ratio in the NBA just gets bigger and bigger every year.

[dw4uconn]

Bynum is saying now that he will not keep his name in the draft if he isn't projected to be a lottery pick. Many think he will go in the low twenties of the first round. He is big, but only 17. Why would he be worried about the 20 year rule? Stupid excuse for saying he is entering the draft if you ask me. If he was 19, then ya, but this kid simply was talked into it by someone.

It all comes down to how well Bynum does in tomorrows private NBA workout. He will make his final decision once he hears how he performed and what the level of interest is in him.

I predict he will be a Husky. The kid already has a questionable knee. He is young and is a project. He needs time to mature before going pro. However, he IS 7' 280 lbs. SO who knows

DW